EL SERENO : Student Dancers Dip Into the Past

Dance groups from Garfield, Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Wilson high schools will perform together Friday in Esplendor Mexicano, a tradition that is being resurrected after 10 years.

Wilson High dance instructor Andres de la Garza brought Esplendor Mexicano back with cooperation from the other schools. Started in 1976 by former teacher Gema Sandoval, the performances faded away a decade ago. De la Garza, who had a Belvedere Junior High School group perform in the annual event when he taught there, wanted to bring back the tradition for his new students.

“I want them to have the opportunity to remember where they come from, even though they live here, and be involved in the arts and participate in a large, organized affair,” De la Garza said.

Jefferson High’s group will perform dances from the Mexican state of Chiapas, Garfield High’s will be doing dances from the Huasteco region of Tamaulipas, Lincoln High’s will perform dances from Sinaloa, Roosevelt High’s will dance polkas from the northern region and Wilson High’s will perform dances from Nayarit. The 100 students taking part have been practicing for a finale that will bring all the couples onto the stage.

There will also be a performance by the group Hueyapan from Mexico and by Banda America, which is composed primarily of students.

The performances start at 7:30 p.m. at El Sereno Junior High School Auditorium, 2839 N. Eastern Ave. A $3 donation will go to the schools.

Information: (213) 223-1131.